Studying the Culture of Students at High Point University

Assignment Content
EXAM 1
Instructions:
Answer the following 2 questions in short essays (length is up to you, but no shorter than 400 words each.) The exam is open book and notes, make sure to specifically refer to the textbook, websites, and films as examples in your answers. ChatGPT has not watched these movies and will make errors of facts and analysis. As throughout the semester, specific answers will get more credit than vague one – this is your chance to demonstrate that you have engaged with all the course material. There is no time limit for this exam but it is due on Blackboard, by 8 p.m. on February 6.
Questions:
1. If you were going to study an aspect of the culture of students at High Point University as an anthropologist, what research question would you create? Why would you ask that specific question? How would you collect your data and why would you use those specific methods? What methods would you use to analyze the data you have collected? What is a mental map of reality at HPU that you might include in your research? Which groups of students would be easiest for you to study and which the most difficult? Why are some groups harder to study than others? Can you think of an example of where the concept of “zero” as discussed in your textbook, would be useful in your research? Thinking specifically about the issues that Nancy Scheper Hughes faced in Ireland, what ethical concern would you have to consider before conducting your fieldwork at HPU?
Below, is the Nancy Scheper Hughes article
https://newint.org/features/2014/05/01/organ-trafficking-keynote
Also, another website on Nancy Hughes
https://imma.ie/magazine/the-devastation-of-the-people-an-interview-with-nancy-scheper-hughes/
2. How do systems of power intersect with language? Using specific examples from our textbook and the films we have watched in class discuss how the Cherokee language and Southern accents (specifically the Charlotte accent) illustrate the intersection of language and power. How does the status of the Cherokee language in the past and the present demonstrate issues of language loss, globalization, and resistance? Discuss how the Southern accent is perceived in American society and how this affects the attitudes of the people interviewed in the film watched. Is a southern accent considered to be a marker of prestige? Why or why not.
Honor Code: The High Point University honor pledge applies to this exam. You may use books, notes, films, and websites, but you may not have the assistance of classmates, family, or friends in completing the exam. If you quote directly or paraphrase you must cite your sources.
The text book you are going to use for some of the questions to be able to write this essay is https://nerd.wwnorton.com/nerd/229156/r/goto/cfi/32!/4
To login to be able and access the textbook is
Login information will be available for the assigned writer.
Also, High Point is the University I am currently attending, so please just make it seem like im writing it because it asking you a lot of questions about that.
The video links for question #2 are listed below to be able to answer the questions

Thank you!! and please make it seem like a freshman in college wrote it.

Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!

 

Question 1: Studying the Culture of Students at High Point University

If I were going to study an aspect of the culture of students at High Point University (HPU) as an anthropologist, I would ask the research question: “How do social media platforms influence the identity and social behaviors of HPU students?” This question is significant because social media has become a dominant force in shaping personal identities, and exploring how students navigate their digital and physical lives at HPU could reveal important insights about their behavior, self-image, and social dynamics.

To collect data for this study, I would employ a combination of qualitative methods: ethnographic observation, in-depth interviews, and participant observation. I would observe student interactions in common areas like the library, dining hall, and dormitories, focusing on how students engage with their smartphones and social media. I would also conduct interviews with a variety of students, asking open-ended questions about their social media usage, the role it plays in their relationships, and how they perceive their online selves compared to their real-world identities. By using these methods, I can capture the nuances of student culture both inside and outside the digital realm.

For data analysis, I would employ thematic analysis to identify patterns in the responses. I would look for common themes in how students describe their experiences with social media and how these experiences influence their identity. For example, do students portray themselves differently online versus in person? What role does social media play in their sense of belonging at HPU? By categorizing and interpreting these themes, I would gain a deeper understanding of the connections between online and offline student behavior.

A mental map of reality that could be included in this research would visualize the relationship between online spaces and physical campus spaces. For example, a mental map could highlight the ways in which students perceive the boundaries between their physical and digital lives. Are there areas on campus that are more connected to social media behavior, like study areas or student hangout spots? This map would provide a visual representation of how HPU students navigate their social world in both virtual and physical environments.

When selecting groups of students to study, first-year students or sophomores might be the easiest to study because they are in the process of establishing their social identities and are more likely to be influenced by social media trends. On the other hand, upperclassmen may be more difficult to study, as they may have already solidified their social networks and are less influenced by social media. Additionally, students who are less active on social media might be harder to engage with, as they may not fully represent the trend I’m studying.

One concept that could be particularly useful in this research is “zero,” as discussed in the textbook. The concept of zero in anthropology refers to the idea of something that does not exist or is invisible within a particular cultural context. In my research, I could explore how certain social media behaviors—like the obsession with followers or ‘likes’—might be invisible or less important to students who do not engage with social media. This could help highlight the diversity of perspectives within the student body at HPU.

Before conducting fieldwork at HPU, I would need to consider the ethical issues that Nancy Scheper-Hughes faced in her work in Ireland, particularly in relation to informed consent and ensuring participant anonymity. As an anthropologist, I must be transparent with students about the nature of my study, ensuring they understand the purpose of the research and have the option to withdraw at any time. Given that social media is a highly personal part of students’ lives, I would need to handle their data carefully and respectfully to avoid any breach of privacy or trust.

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Question 2: Systems of Power and Language: Cherokee Language and Southern Accents

Language plays a vital role in systems of power, often influencing social hierarchies, identity, and access to resources. This is particularly evident in the case of the Cherokee language and Southern accents, especially in the context of Charlotte, North Carolina, as seen in the films and readings we’ve studied. These two examples show how language can reflect and reinforce issues of language loss, globalization, resistance, and social power.

The Cherokee language, once a critical part of the Cherokee Nation’s identity, has faced severe decline due to historical pressures such as forced assimilation, residential schools, and governmental policies. In the past, the Cherokee language was widely spoken, but due to the impact of globalization and the cultural dominance of English, it is now considered a “language in peril.” Efforts to preserve and revitalize the Cherokee language today, like teaching it in schools and communities, are acts of resistance against the forces that sought to erase it. The loss of a language also equates to the loss of a unique way of thinking, as language shapes the way we perceive and interact with the world.

In the present, the Cherokee language represents both a symbol of cultural pride and an indicator of resistance against the broader societal trends of linguistic homogenization. As discussed in the textbook and illustrated in the documentary, the survival of the language is a matter of cultural survival, as it carries with it the traditions, knowledge, and worldview of the Cherokee people. The film we watched about Cherokee language revitalization demonstrated how the community’s youth are leading efforts to learn and pass on their heritage language, which also serves to reinforce their collective identity and resist the dominance of English.

The Southern accent, particularly in Charlotte, North Carolina, is another example of how language intersects with power. As seen in the videos and discussed in our textbook, the Southern accent has often been perceived in a negative light in American society. Many people associate it with lower social status and lack of sophistication, which can result in discrimination, especially in professional or educational settings. However, as the interviews in the films suggest, Southern accents can also be a source of pride and a marker of regional identity for many people in the South. For those with a Southern accent, it can symbolize community, family, and tradition, despite the negative stereotypes attached to it.

In the broader context of language and power, the Southern accent also reflects the ongoing tension between prestige and regionalism. While some might see a Southern accent as a marker of low social status, others view it as a symbol of authenticity and personal connection. In the context of Charlotte, the accent can either alienate or endear people, depending on the listener’s background. This dynamic demonstrates how language is not just a neutral mode of communication, but an important tool for shaping social power and identity.

In conclusion, the Cherokee language and Southern accents both illustrate how language functions within systems of power. The decline of the Cherokee language symbolizes the effects of colonialism and globalization, while the Southern accent demonstrates how social hierarchies and stereotypes can shape perceptions of identity and status in American society. Language is not just a means of communication—it is a powerful tool that reflects and perpetuates the systems of power that govern our lives.

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